Who had a hand in England's World Cup woe 30 years ago today?

Chris Page

June 22 1986 saw Diego Maradona score what would go down as his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England (revisited here if you can bear to watch after 30 years of hurt).

The 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City took place only four years after the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom, adding extra spice to an intense footballing rivalry.

In the 51st minute, Maradona attempted to play a one-two with Jorge Valdano but his pass was intercepted by England's Steve Hodge, whose miscued clearance skewed into the penalty area between Maradona and the onrushing England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

The 5 foot 5 inch Maradona surprisingly won the aerial battle with Shilton with the ball ending up in the England net. TV replays at the time suggested that Maradona may have used his hand to win the ball, but Tunisian referee saw nothing amiss.

Argentina went on to win the match 2-1 with Maradona later beating six England players to score what was later voted as ‘Goal of the Century’.

Maradona’s side eventually won the World Cup, defeating West Germany 3-2 in the final.

In 2015, Maradona visited referee Ali Bin Nasser and gave him a signed Argentina jersey, referring to him as "my eternal friend."